Research Fellow/Research Assistant

University of Cumbria - Institute of Health Research and Knowledge Exchange

Location: Carlisle - Fusehill Street

Closing date: 23:59 hours GMT on Sunday 1st March 2026

Contract type: Fixed Term - Ends 02/10/2026

Expected interview date: Monday 16th March 2026

We are the University of Cumbria, for and from Cumbria and our localities, rooted in serving our communities, with people, place and partnership at our heart.

Now is a very exciting time to be joining us because we are delivering a new "Towards 2030" strategic plan focused on making the most of our three most valuable assets; People, Place and Partnerships, to become a catalyst for economic well-being for our region, nationally and internationally.

The Institute of Health is looking to recruit a Research Fellow or Research Assistant to work with a team of researchers and partner organisations undertaking a Realist Economic Evaluation of a family intervention. The evaluation is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Three Schools Prevention Research Programme.

We invite applications from candidates with experience of researching or working in children and families’ social care. Applications for secondment will be welcomed.

You will work collaboratively with the research team, external partners, stakeholders, and the public to support the development and delivery of the research project. You will be involved in all aspects of the evaluation, including literature reviewing; data collection, analysis and review; reporting, dissemination and knowledge mobilisation.

The role will be based at our Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle but the Research Fellow role will be required to undertake research activities in West Cumbria where public transport is sometimes limited.

Please note, this role is fixed term until the 2nd October 2026 - part-time or job share working will be considered.

Informal Enquiries: Dr. Elaine Bidmead | NIHR ARC NENC Senior Research Fellow | elaine.bidmead@cumbria.ac.uk

We are seeking innovative, creative, high-quality researchers, and scholars to foster a culture of exploration, discovery and intellectual challenge that generates international recognition, respect and engagement. In return, the University offers an attractive benefits package including 33 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

For more information about the university of Cumbria, click here.